Resource Details

Broadband & Internet, Education & Schools, Energy, Technology

Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program

The electric program makes insured loans and loan guarantees to nonprofit and cooperative associations, public bodies, and other utilities. Insured loans primarily finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas. The guaranteed loan program has been expanded and is now available to finance generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. The loans and loan guarantees finance the construction of electric distribution, transmission, and generation facilities, including system improvements and replacement required to furnish and improve electric service in rural areas, as well as demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:
state and local government entities;
Federally-recognized Tribes;
nonprofits including cooperatives and limited dividend or mutual associations; and
For-profit businesses (must be a corporation or limited liability company)

Eligible projects include:
maintenance;
upgrades;
expansion;
replacement of distribution, sub transmission and headquarters (service, warehouse) facilities;
energy efficiency; and
renewable energy systems

Top Benefits

  • 100% of the construction work plan can be financed
  • Hardship Loans may be used to assist applicants in rural areas that are either economically distressed or recovering from an unavoidable event, such as a natural disaster

Related Resources

  • Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Broadband & Internet, Business, Economic Development, Energy, Housing, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Technology, Veterans, Workforce

    Resource Guide for Rural Entrepreneurs

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    This multimedia guide provides resources for start-ups and already-established rural businesses.

  • Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Housing, Veterans, Workforce

    Veteran Housing and Recovery Program

    Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

    ​​The Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP)​ provides secure and safe housing to veterans while they receive training and services to become stably housed.

  • Energy, Sustainability

    Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA).